Whitewashing the byre for Christmas
Posted: 22 Dec 2015 13:29
I was wondering about the Christmases my ancestors spent in rural County Leitrim. Some interesting things here:
http://www.irishamericanmom.com/2011/12 ... raditions/
http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/ ... 01878.html
I had totally forgotten how my father used to whitewash the farm buildings just prior to 12th July. He always looked for a period of fine, drying weather. It was a shock to read that whitewashing was traditional in mid-winter. The article mentions that the byre got re-decorated as well. It suggests that “The donkey and the cow and the sheep were part of the Nativity,” but I suspect there was another factor. The milking cow was almost part of the family. At one time the folk lived in the same building as the animals, for heat. I'd guess many cows were pets and would get some treats at Christmas, just as pets do today.
http://www.irishamericanmom.com/2011/12 ... raditions/
http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/ ... 01878.html
I had totally forgotten how my father used to whitewash the farm buildings just prior to 12th July. He always looked for a period of fine, drying weather. It was a shock to read that whitewashing was traditional in mid-winter. The article mentions that the byre got re-decorated as well. It suggests that “The donkey and the cow and the sheep were part of the Nativity,” but I suspect there was another factor. The milking cow was almost part of the family. At one time the folk lived in the same building as the animals, for heat. I'd guess many cows were pets and would get some treats at Christmas, just as pets do today.